Maize farmers to wait longer for NCPB pay

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 13:10

By BARNABAS BII

Trucks loaded with maize outside the National Cereals Produce Board depot in Nakuru in the past. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Maize farmers will have to wait longer before they can receive money for delivery of their produce to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) despite promises by the government to make prompt payments.

The Strategic Food Reserve Trust Fund (SFRTF) Tuesday confirmed that it has not received money to start paying the farmers.

“The authority to spend has been issued by the Treasury but the money has not been wired to our account,” said Dr Noah Wekesa SFRTF Chairman.

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“We are optimistic that the money will be released before the end of this week,” added Dr Wekesa on phone.

The NCPB management Tuesday disclosed that it has bought 150,000 90kg-bags of maize worth Sh375 million.

Queues at depots

The board has purchased 132,000 bags valued at Sh330 million in its Eldoret depot, with long queues forming in most other depots as farmers rush to sell the produce to raise capital for next planting season.

“We are still waiting for SFRTF on when it will provide the money to enable us make the payment,” said Mr Maiyo.